Sr. Program Associate

Public Broadcasting Service; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Public Broadcasting Service seeks a Sr. Program Associate in General Audience Programming to facilitate post‑production and delivery for General Audience, PLUS, and Fundraising content.

The role liaises with producers, GA Programming, and internal stakeholders, maintaining program materials from acceptance through the rights period. Responsibilities include managing program delivery, post‑acceptance adherence to guidelines, paperwork completion via Producer Portals, and supporting leadership in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field with experience in a public broadcasting environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 to 4 years’ experience in television production and programming.
• Experience with PBS operations and procedures is desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel and a familiarity with database programming.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills – working with multiple projects in numerous stages of development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – diplomacy a must.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage program delivery.
• Oversee the post‑acceptance process to ensure adherence to programming, packaging and deliverable guidelines.
• Oversee the completion of Programming and Operations paperwork for incoming programs via Producer Portals (including format, webtags, production credits, and other program documentation).
• Support Assistant Director(s) in obtaining and managing project deliverables.
• Screen programs in production for Standards compliance issues and create flag reports for communication to producers and internal departments.
• Identify issues arising from program repackaging and coordinate with Assistant Director(s) to develop and implement solutions.
• Deal with issues arising from late arriving broadcast masters and other deliverables.
• Act as a source of information for internal concerns/queries.
• Review repeat programming to ensure content and packaging is up-to-date or if repackaging is needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Writing

Editing

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Tools

Database programming

Job description

Position Title

Sr. Program Associate

Department & Corporate Area

Programming Operations & Engagement
General Audience Programming

Status & Manager Title

Regular, Full time Exempt
Sr. Director, Programming & Operations

Position Overview

The Senior Program Associate in General Audience Programming is a key member of the Programming & Operations team, responsible for facilitating the post‑production and delivery process of General Audience, PLUS, and Fundraising content. This individual acts as an important liaison among producers, GA Programming, and internal stakeholders, and must maintain and update program material from acceptance through the duration of the project’s rights period.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage program delivery.
• Oversee the post‑acceptance process to ensure adherence to programming, packaging and deliverable guidelines.
• Oversee the completion of Programming and Operations paperwork for incoming programs via Producer Portals (including format, webtags, production credits, and other program documentation).
• Support Assistant Director(s) in obtaining and managing project deliverables.
• Screen programs in production for Standards compliance issues and create flag reports for communication to producers and internal departments.
• Identify issues arising from program repackaging and coordinate with Assistant Director(s) to develop and implement solutions.
• Deal with issues arising from late arriving broadcast masters and other deliverables.
• Act as a source of information for internal concerns/queries.
• Review repeat programming to ensure content and packaging is up-to-date or if repackaging is needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements for Success

• 2 to 4 years’ experience in television production and programming.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field with experience in a public broadcasting environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in film/video production and post‑production capacities.
• Experience with PBS operations and procedures is desirable.
• Experience with public television programming, guidelines and practices preferred.
• Experience negotiating with producers on the subject of deliverables and other matters related to broadcast preferred.
• Ability to identify and evaluate sensitive or problematic material in programs.
• Ability to pre‑screen programs prior to air to ensure that they meet all PBS packaging guidelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel and a familiarity with database programming.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills – working with multiple projects in numerous stages of development.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through proactively on projects until completion.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under stressful circumstances, react to change productively, and handle other essential duties as assigned.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – diplomacy a must.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work as a team player in a team environment.
• Analytical skills with respect to program material.

Compensation

Base pay range: $55,000 – $65,000 per year. The actual base pay offered may vary based on individual factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package will also include discretionary bonuses.

Benefits

• Various insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, hearing, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
• Identity protection program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Financial and retirement savings benefits including the PBS Retirement Plan 403(b).
• Paid time off: 17 days per year.
• Paid sick time: 12 days per year.
• Paid parental leave: 60 days / 12 weeks.
• Paid holidays: 12 days per year.

EEO Statement

PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia. PBS is a membership organization that, in partnership with its member stations, serves the American public with programming and services of the highest quality, using media to educate, inspire, entertain and express a diversity of perspectives. PBS empowers individuals to achieve their potential and strengthen the social, democratic, and cultural health of the U.S.